Florida vs UCF: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for 2023 NIT

The SEC’s lone postseason basketball game Wednesday, Florida opens play in the 2023 NIT with a first round matchup against in-state foe UCF. A matchup that Florida has owned historically, the Gators have won 10 of the 11 meetings between the two all-time, which includes a 79-66 victory most recently back in 2012.

Beginning with a look at Florida, the Gators, who are led by head coach Todd Golden, currently own a 16-16 overall record this season, one that also included a 9-9 mark in SEC play to finish eighth in the conference. Florida is also coming off a second round appearance in the SEC Tournament, and have struggled in recent weeks by dropping four of their last six games.

The Gators enter the 2023 NIT averaging 71.9 PPG on offense, while also allowing 68.7 PPG to opponents, as well as ranking No. 6 nationally as a team in blocks per game with 5.3. Florida also has four players averaging 8+ PPG in Will Richard, Riley Kugel, Kyle Lofton, and Kowacie Reeves, while others such as Alex Fudge, Trey Bonham, and Myreon Jones are among the additional names to know.

Led by head coach Johnny Dawkins, UCF is currently sitting at 18-14 overall this season, while also having finished the regular season with an 8-10 mark in AAC play to finish seventh in the conference. The Knights are coming off a quarterfinal appearance in the AAC Tournament, and have won three of their last five games.

The Knights are currently averaging 72.2 PPG this season, while also allowing 66 PPG defensively, and are one of the nation’s best free throw shooting teams at a combined 77.1%. Leading UCF in scoring is star freshman forward Taylor Hendricks at 15.3 PPG, while the Knights also have three other double-digit scorers in CJ Kelly, Ithiel Horton, and Darius Johnson.

Florida vs UCF Line, Spread, Over/Under

According to FanDuel, Florida is a 2.5-point favorite over UCF as of Tuesday afternoon, with the over/under at 143.5. The Gators are -156, while the Knights are +130.

Florida vs UCF 2023 NIT Prediction

A matchup that Florida has owned historically, the pick here goes to the Gators, especially with this game being played in Gainesville. I’ll say that this matchup is close as well, with the Gators eventually pulling away late. Prediction: Florida 69, UCF 64

What Channel is the Florida vs UCF Game On?

The first round 2023 NIT matchup between Florida and UCF will be played Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. The game will be played from Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL.

Florida vs UCF Live Stream

A live stream can be found here on fuboTV of the first round NIT matchup between Florida and UCF.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change